Prospect Spotlight: Blaine Harpenau (2021)
St. Mary’s, Remsen recently wrapped up its season, which for the second straight year culminated with a state tourney appearance.
A key figure on this season’s Hawks team — which finished third in Class 1A — was 6-foot guard Blaine Harpenau.
The sophomore averaged 7.8 points on a brilliant 59.2 percent shooting, while also dishing out 2.8 assists and pulling down 4.1 rebounds per game.
“I like to get the ball to my shooters, I like to drive and dish to them, kick it out, or just take it to the hole if it’s there,” said Harpenau. “And when our other guards drive, I can be there for them to kick it to.”
He added: “I’m working on just getting bigger and stronger, and just driving and working on my finishing and my ball-handling skills as well.”
At state, Harpenau was especially effective. He went for nine points on 3-3 shooting, five assists and two steals in a quarterfinals win over Prince of Peace. In all three games at state, he averaged 11.7 points on an amazing 81 percent shooting.
“It was a crazy season, I didn’t really know what to expect after only returning one starter from the year before. It was really amazing to make it down to state with no seniors this year — it was an amazing season,” said Harpenau.
A multi-sport standout, Harpenau also plays baseball, football and track. He batted .405 as a freshman for the Hawks’ baseball team last summer.
“At St. Mary’s, you play every sport you can, because you’re needed at every one. And I love them all,” said Harpenau. “I’d probably say my favorite is baseball right now, but whatever is in season is usually my favorite.”
Even with baseball kicking into full gear this spring and summer, Harpenau says he’ll be at several basketball camps with his St. Mary’s team this summer, and there will be plenty of open gyms, too.
“We like competing with each other and making each other better,” he said.